Spinal Cord Compression

The symptoms of spinal cord compression vary based on the severity and location of the pressure. Common symptoms include:

• Pain: Persistent neck or back pain that may worsen with movement.
• Numbness or Tingling: Sensations of numbness, tingling, or burning in the arms, hands, legs, or feet.
• Muscle Weakness: Difficulty lifting objects, walking, or maintaining balance.
• Coordination Problems: Trouble with hand movements, writing, or buttoning clothing.
• Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: Loss of control over bladder or bowel movements, which may indicate severe compression.
• Changes in Reflexes: Increased reflexes or muscle spasms due to nerve irritation.

Symptoms may develop suddenly or gradually, and worsening symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Consult our Orthopaedic Surgery or Neuro Surgery experts if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening back or neck pain that affects daily activities.
• Unexplained numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control, which may suggest a medical emergency.
• Sudden onset of difficulty walking or maintaining balance.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible neurological damage.

Your time with your doctor may be limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.​

Diagnosing spinal cord compression typically involves:

• Physical Examination: Evaluating muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation to assess nerve function.
• Imaging Tests:
• X-rays: Can reveal bone abnormalities such as fractures or bone spurs.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of soft tissues, nerves, and the spinal cord.
• ​Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: Helps identify structural changes and assess spinal integrity.
• Electromyography (EMG): Measures electrical activity in muscles to detect nerve damage.
• Myelogram: A special X-ray technique that uses contrast dye to highlight spinal cord abnormalities.

These tests help determine the cause and severity of the compression, guiding treatment options.

Treatment for spinal cord compression depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Options may include:

• Medications:
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): To reduce pain and inflammation.
• Corticosteroids: To decrease swelling around the spinal cord.
• Muscle relaxants: To relieve muscle spasms.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises, stretching, and posture correction to improve mobility and function.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management, ergonomic adjustments, and low-impact exercises to prevent worsening of symptoms.
• Surgical Procedures:
• ​Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebra to relieve pressure.
• ​Discectomy: Removal of a herniated disc that is compressing the spinal cord.
• ​​Spinal Fusion: To stabilize the spine in cases of severe instability or degeneration.

Timely intervention and a personalized treatment plan can help prevent long-term complications and improve quality of life.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialised clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the 'Numbers' section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatment costs and authorise admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the 'Numbers' section on the website homepage.​

Your doctor or nurse will provide specific instructions regarding any prescribed medications. It is essential to follow their guidance carefully. Self-prescribing or altering medication without professional advice can be harmful. Inform your healthcare provider of any past adverse reactions to medications. If you experience symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose, or a severe reaction, contact the Pharmacy Services at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately.